Even if you have got a smartphone app, there's a case to becreated for owning a standalone GPS device from Garmin or another majormanufacturer. If you've ever lost your flip in significant traffic due to Associatein nursing incoming decision, you recognize this already. A standalone GPSwon't chomp your information arrange or your phone battery, either. The oneadvantage apps have over a standalone GPS is that their maps are often updated.Garmin devices receive package and map updates additionally – you simply needto understand how to urge them.

Joining the specific lane

In most cases you'll use Garmin's own specific package toupdate your in-car GPS device. If you begin by fitting a myGarmin profile onthe company's page, you'll be prompted to put in it as a part of the method. Ifyou have got Associate in nursing existing myGarmin profile from an olderdevice, however don't have specific put in on your laptop, you'll get it onmanually. Find the tab for it on the company's main page – or A phrase like"Garmin official package page" into your favorite program – andfollow that to the transfer page. Connect the GPS to your laptop and click onthe "Download" button, then follow the prompts to put in the packageand register your device. Because the program installs on your laptop, it'lladditionally update the GPS package on your Garmin to the present version.

To transfer updates and user info, the device should beconnected to the identical Wi-Fi network because the laptop running Garminspecific. Different Garmin hiking, sailing or fitness-oriented merchandise, aswell as many models within the Approach, Edge, Fenix, Forerunner and quatixranges, will connect via Bluetooth to a smartphone running Garmin's ConnectMobile app. With Connect Mobile, you'll update within the automotive oranyplace you have got a cellular signal.

If your device comes with time period maps or a freefirst-time map update, you'll be prompted to put in it once you install and runGarmin specific. After that, maps are updated concerning 3 times a year.

If you create some extent of sporadically plugging in yourGarmin, specific can prompt you any time maps are out there. If you have gottime period maps, it's worthy to invariably have the terribly latest. If youdon't, you'll have the choice of buying time period maps or a one-time update.If you reside during a aggressive space, it's comparatively straightforward tocreate a case for time period updates, as a result of native roads and streetsoften modification. Otherwise, wait till you discover that the maps aresuperannuated enough to interfere with navigation.

If you're traveling outside the u. s. and need to bring your Garmin with you,that's another smart reason to update your maps. Some devices embrace NorthAmerican country and United Mexican States, however if you wish to traveladditional abroad – to Europe, for instance, or Associate in Nursing epic roadtrip through South America – you'll must purchase those maps singly. Click the"Store" icon in Garmin specific, and opt for a map set that coversthe world you propose to go to. you'll additionally combine several Garmindevices to your smartphone, and use Mobile connect with receive updated trafficalerts or parking info, out there for a modest fee.

Going with third-party maps

Garmin isn't the sole supply for maps, even for a Garmindevice. Variety of third-party sources supply maps, several of them createdexploitation Garmin's own mapping technology. The corporate hosts a listing ofthose suppliers on its own web site, principally niche suppliers targetingspecific countries like Turkey and land or specialized usages such asnavigating the Canadian Oil Patch. For all-purpose use, you would possibly flipinstead to crowd-sourced maps. These are compiled by volunteers and uploaded toa central website known as Open Street Maps, wherever they're liberal totransfer and use. The maps vary in quality, however are often excellent indensely inhabited areas or places with a zealous mapping community.